Former Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom has praised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for strengthening the Black Stars’ backroom staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Last month, the GFA announced five new additions to the technical team as part of preparations for the tournament.
French coach Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who currently leads the Black Queens, have joined as assistant coaches. Spanish analyst Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso has been recruited to enhance scouting and match analysis.
Carlos Lozano Romero returns as the team’s physiotherapist after serving in the same role at the 2022 World Cup, while British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi completes the new-look set-up.
The changes have divided opinion in Ghana, with some fans and pundits debating whether the reshuffle will improve the team’s chances at the global tournament. But Inkoom believes the decision shows clear ambition and proper planning.
Speaking to Connect FM, he commended both the GFA and the Sports Ministry for what he described as strong preparation.
“The pre-tournament preparation by the GFA and the Sports Ministry has been great. The new addition to the technical team is a good one. Football is all about preparation, and I am happy we are preparing well,” Inkoom said.
According to the former Asante Kotoko right-back, success at the World Cup is not only about the players on the pitch. He stressed the need for detailed scouting and tactical analysis, saying modern football demands careful planning.
“If you’re going to the World Cup without properly monitoring your opponents, the tournament will be very difficult for you, and you won’t enjoy the tournament.”
Ghana, who are making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. They open their campaign against Panama on 17 June, before facing England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June.
As part of their build-up, the Black Stars will regroup in March for friendly matches against Austria and Germany, followed by a final warm-up game against Mexico in May.
The GFA has also confirmed that the team will be based at Bryant University in the United States throughout the tournament.
By: Pascal Amoah
